A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace

Chapter 499

Having had his fill of food and fun, Little Bun fell into a deep sleep.Xia Ruqing finally had some free time to herself.

Zhao Junyao’s gaze was deep as he watched her, feeling a bit resentful. He had been here for quite some time, yet her mind was completely focused on her son, not even sparing a thought to spending some alone time with him. It was only once Little Bun was asleep that she would order someone to take him away. As long as the boy wasn’t asleep, he could never get close to her. This was truly... frustrating.

The more Zhao Junyao thought about it, the more displeased he became. He frowned without saying a word, his expression growing darker.

Xia Ruqing, oblivious, was exhausted and only thinking about resting. She didn’t even notice that Zhao Junyao was upset.

After washing up, she got into bed and shamelessly snuggled into his arms, letting out a yawn.

"Emperor, let’s sleep!"

With that, she closed her eyes.

Zhao Junyao’s heart felt ice cold! Clenching his teeth, he planned to punish her harshly.

He lifted his hand and easily tore off the inner garment she was wearing. Her delicate skin was exposed to the cool air.

Xia Ruqing found it very comfortable and even sighed lightly in enjoyment. "Mmm..."

Zhao Junyao was speechless. He felt like he could spit blood from frustration, almost dying of anger because of her! His large hands swept over her. Since it’s comfortable, then enjoy it thoroughly!

Having thought that, he adjusted her position, then pressed down with his lower back.

"AH!"

Just like that, her fortress was breached unexpectedly. Amidst her surprise, there was mostly... pain! Her large eyes filled with panic and instantly brimmed with tears.

"Emperor, it hurts..."

Her mind went blank.

What was wrong with him? During the barbecue earlier, wasn’t he still cheerful and peaceful? How did he suddenly become so fierce in bed? Yes, fierce, like an angry lion. Hey, if you’re angry, you should at least let me know why, right? Starting with punishment like this... who could bear it?

Therefore, Xia Ruqing felt very aggrieved.

"It hurts!" she cried out again. Her voice was soft and tender, the end of her words trembling slightly. It was truly pitiable to hear.

Zhao Junyao’s anger, which had been raging moments before, suddenly deflated. He was the one who had been neglected. And yet, it seemed as if he was the villain who had bullied an innocent maiden.

Upon realizing this, he stopped his movements.

Xia Ruqing still felt wronged. "Emperor, you’ve hurt me!"

"Emperor, are you angry about something?" As she spoke, tears streamed down her face; her sense of injustice was profound. She had even borne him a son, yet he still treated her so cruelly without warning. Furthermore, it was cruelty in bed! She always felt that certain lowly pleasures between the sheets were just ways for a man to dominate a woman. No further explanation was necessary. Right or wrong, that was just what she thought!

Zhao Junyao was generally insensitive to women’s tears. However... Qingqing was the exception. He realized he had indeed been too forceful just now. He felt somewhat regretful.

"Qingqing, don’t cry, it’s my fault!"

Strangely, he was actually jealous of his own son. When had he become so petty? He’d never been like this before.

Xia Ruqing’s emotions flared, and she started to act petulant and coy.

Zhao Junyao patiently coaxed her. "I’m sorry, I hurt you!"

Xia Ruqing was relentless. "Emperor, what exactly were you angry about just now?" She wanted to know what lay beneath the Emperor’s stoic facade. It was so hard to guess!

As for Zhao Junyao, he would die before admitting it. Being jealous of his own son was simply too embarrassing. He shamelessly insisted that nothing was wrong.

Xia Ruqing kept pressing for an answer but could get nothing out of him, and eventually, she gave up.

Zhao Junyao breathed a sigh of relief, hugged her, and whispered in her ear, "I’ll be gentler this time, okay?"

Xia Ruqing’s face turned red, and she protested, "No!"

Zhao Junyao smiled mischievously and bit her earlobe. "Protest denied!"

「Early the next day.」

Xia Ruqing woke up. The Emperor had already risen, so she hurriedly got up to attend to him.

"Emperor, are you going hunting today?"

Zhao Junyao nodded. "Yes."

"This area is all mountains; you can’t even ride a horse. Just stay here. If anything comes up, go find Li Shengan."

Xia Ruqing obediently nodded, then asked, "Then, Emperor, is it dangerous to go hunting?"

"I..."

Zhao Junyao looked at her. "If there’s something on your mind, speak up!"

Xia Ruqing decided not to beat around the bush and spoke directly. "I want to see my brother! You said he was injured, and I haven’t seen him since. Also, Little Bun has been born for so long, and my brother hasn’t seen him yet!"

Zhao Junyao frowned. "How did you know about his injury?"

Xia Ruqing looked confused. "Emperor, you told me yourself!"

"When?"

"Just last night, after you were drinking!"

Zhao Junyao was speechless. He deeply regretted it. After keeping it a secret for so long, he had revealed it himself! Was it really... impossible to keep secret?! If that were the case, so be it. There was nothing more to hide.

He immediately said, "Wait until I return."

Then he added, "If you really want to know, you can also ask Miss Ni. She knows as well."

Upon hearing this, Xia Ruqing nodded thoughtfully. "Your concubine understands."

Zhao Junyao nodded and, before leaving, instructed, "Do not let your thoughts wander! Wait for my return."

Xia Ruqing obediently nodded, "Yes."

「After seeing Zhao Junyao off.」

Xia Ruqing found herself with nothing to do. The Emperor said Miss Ni knew... Knew what, exactly? Could it be... that there was more to the story of her brother’s injury?

With that in mind, she called for Zi Yue. "Let’s go, we’ll take a stroll outside! The scenery in these mountains is beautiful; we can’t always be cooped up inside!"

Zi Yue hesitated a bit. "But the Little Prince..."

Xia Ruqing instructed, "Have the Wetnurse Nanny take good care of him! This is a travelling palace; it’s very safe."

Zi Yue then felt slightly relieved and went to prepare.

Shortly after, everything was ready. Xia Ruqing, accompanied by Zi Yue and Zi Su, stepped out.

Outside the travelling palace were rows of houses which, upon closer inspection, seemed to form a small village. Xia Ruqing wandered for a while until she arrived at a spacious area. After asking where the Ni Family was staying, she went uninvited to pay a visit in person.

Lady Ni and Miss Ni, as female family members, had not gone out and were strolling in their yard. They were in the midst of laughter when a Servant came to report, "Consort Xian Pin has arrived!"

The mother and daughter were both stunned. Consort Xian Pin from the palace? Why would she come here?

Lady Ni reacted quickly and immediately instructed someone to receive the guest.

Xia Ruqing entered with a smiling Zi Yue and Zi Su. Lady Ni was about to bow, but Xia Ruqing quickly stopped her. "This is outside the palace. Let’s dispense with such formalities. Lady Ni, Miss Ni, please rise quickly!"

Miss Ni helped Lady Ni to her feet.

Lady Ni smiled.